Naming of Campus Facilities

POLICY STATEMENT

The naming of a university property, program, or facility is an honor that contributes to the university’s sense of its heritage and is a significant event in the history of the institution. The University President has authority and responsibility for approving the name of buildings and facilities or parts thereof on behalf of the university, and recommending approval by the Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) State College Board of Trustees in accordance with applicable laws and rules.

The naming of buildings, programs, and other facilities at Delta State University, such as laboratories, classrooms, auditoriums, offices and common areas, is one manner in which the university can honor an individual’s contributions to the institution. Any recommendation for the naming of buildings, parts of buildings or outdoor areas of the campus shall be based on what is in the best interest of the university. Each naming proposal should take into account established criteria and other guidelines.

DEFINITIONS

None

PROCEDURES and RESPONSIBILITIES

Criteria
Individuals or groups for whom facilities are named must have made significant contributions to the university. To preserve the integrity of the “naming” process, this honor is reserved for individuals of recognized accomplishments and character. Contributions may be significant financial gifts or distinguished service to or recognition brought to the university.

1. Naming for a Benefactor (financial or in-kind gift required)

The university may recognize a substantial gift benefiting the institution by naming a facility in appreciation of the gift. Each situation should be judged on its own.

A. A facility may be named for an individual or organization benefactor who makes a significant contribution toward the costs of initial construction or renovation of a building, component of a building, or other physical facility on campus. The university will establish and regularly revise a list of available naming opportunities and minimum gift expectations for naming

B. A naming gift may also be a significant contribution of funds initiating or supporting programs, scholarships, specialized equipment, operations, or other needs of the university. Endowment funding of significance that offers sustained support into perpetuity will be preferred in consideration of naming opportunities.

2. Naming for Service to or Recognition Brought to the University

A naming honor for a building or a major facility may be conferred to recognize individuals who have attained achievements of extraordinary and lasting distinction. Generally, these are individuals who have had direct, substantial, and active association with the university and displayed a distinguished record of scholarship, creativity, leadership, humanitarian service or public service.

A facility, property or program may be named after a member of the university community (faculty or staff) who has been retired from full-time service with the university at least three (3) years or who has been deceased at least three (3) years.

Procedures and Responsibilities

The University President has the right to convene the Naming Advisory Committee (committee). The president shall charge the group to review naming proposals and make recommendations to him/her for the naming of any university property, program or facility. At a minimum, the committee’s membership shall include one member each from:

The President’s Cabinet

University Faculty

University Staff

The Delta State University Alumni Association

The Delta State University Foundation

Any individual or group associated with the university may submit a proposal to the committee for naming a facility for the reasons indicated above. The committee’s principal task is to review proposals and make naming recommendations to the president.

1. Each proposal shall include:

1. a description of the facility and the name proposed to be honored;
b. biographical summary of the person proposed; and
c. a statement of rationale articulating the distinctiveness of the individual’s contributions
to the University.

2. The committee shall give timely consideration to all proposals, weighing them on their individual merits and consulting with the President when appropriate and necessary.

Considering the sensitivity of the matters under consideration and their potential for creating misunderstanding, all stages of the proposal, review and recommendation process must be conducted in confidence.

While being timely in its consideration and approach, the committee will follow a deliberative approach. Those proposing a “naming” are cautioned that the process may take considerable time and involve an extensive review process. The committee generally will not consider proposals in the immediate aftermath of one-time events, as the passage of time ensures greater objectivity.

In recommending the naming of a facility or programmatic unit for a person, family or organization, the committee shall have a reasonable assurance that:

a. the proposed name will bring additional honor and distinction to the university;
b. the recognition implied by the naming is appropriate for the significance of the contributions by the individual, family, or organization; and
c. any philanthropic commitments connected with the naming can be realized.

Removal of a Name – The University reserves the right to remove a name from any facility or program covered by this policy. The Naming Advisory Committee may convene to discuss the circumstances surrounding the issue and make a recommendation to the president or the president may act unilaterally as to whether the name should be retained or removed. Circumstances that may lead to the removal of a name may include but are not limited to the examples shown below:

a. the commission of and conviction for a crime by an individual whose name appears on a naming
opportunity
b. the failure of a donor to fulfill gift commitments as specified in a stated agreement (e.g., estate gifts, failure to honor pledge, etc.)

Named Demolished Buildings

In case of demolition or removal of building or entity, provisions for continued recognition of named individual(s) will be reviewed and approved by the Cabinet for consistency and appropriateness. When a building is demolished or replaced and teh former name is no longer warranted, the Cabinet, along with the DSU Foundation, will consider new naming opportunities. If possible, the University will contact a family member and/or the appropriate contact person for the former nameskae to inform them of the demolition or replacement of the current building. In cases where the naming of the building was in recognition of philanthropic support to the University, the Foundation will contact a family member and/or the appropriate contact person for the former namesake to inform them of the demolition or replacement of the current building. In both situations, it may be appropriate to place a plaque in close proximity to the original building to indicate that it occupies the site of a building formerly known by another name.

The University President shall have the sole authority to make exceptions to these policies and procedures in order to serve the University’s interests.